The pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar and enzymes to promote digestion. The two major diseases of the pancreas are pancreatitis and cancer. Your pancreas may also be compromised when hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance causes it to overwork to compensate for elevated blood sugar, according to a 2006 article in the "Journal of Clinical Investigation." Dietary and lifestyle changes can support the pancreas and help prevent or ameliorate these conditions. Always consult your doctor before making changes in your diet, exercise or supplementation program.
Exercise more. Activity increases your use of blood sugar, allowing your pancreas to produce less insulin and giving it a rest. Work out five times a week for 30 minutes to help strengthen your pancreas.
Lose 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. "When you lose weight it actually recharges your pancreas a bit and helps it work better," states Linda Delahanty, M.S., R.D.
Eat a low-fat diet which has lots of fruits and vegetables and minimizes processed foods. Not only will this help with weight loss, but it may help reduce high triglyceride levels, which the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, says are a risk factor for pancreatitis.
Drink green tea. The UMMC describes population studies showing that people who drink more green tea are significantly less likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer than those who drink less. The UMMC also reports that green tea is a good source of antioxidants thought to help prevent pancreatitis. Consult your doctor before trying a new herbal remedy.